Festivals of India 2016

Indian Festivals are celebrated by varied cultures and through their special rituals add to the colours of Indian Heritage. Some festivals welcome the seasons of the year, the harvest, the rains, or the full moon. Others celebrate religious occasions, the birthdays of saints and gurus (revered teachers), or the advent of the New Year. A number of these festivals are common to most parts of India. However, they may be called by different names in various parts of the country or may be celebrated in a different fashion... Read More

Festivals in December 2016

December (Marghsheesh / Paush)

India is famous for its deep cultural, philosophical and traditional values. Being a secular nation, Indians enjoy every festival with full pomp and show. Each festival in India is celebrated with the same delight and fervour than with what it is preached. December being the last month of the year, brings a cheerful time for merrymaking and excitement. This month marks the closure of the festival list for the given year giving way to a new set of celebrations waiting to be unveiled.

Though very famous for the chill and the cold, December is also the time for Santa to come down and spread the magic of Christmas all over the world.
Milad-Un-Nabi which marks the birth of the Prophet Muhammad will be observed on 12th Rabi-ul-Awwal of the Islamic lunar calendar year by all Muslims. Apart from this, December is also the time for the much awaited Hornbill Festival. Held in the first week of December, Hornbill is a great opportunity to explore the rich traditions and beauty of Nagaland. The three day long festival of Andhra Pradesh, Lumbini is a huge platform to witness the Buddhist traditions and related events, where thousands to tourists gather and celebrate the 2000 years old tradition.

Melas and fairs have always been close to the hearts of the Indians. In Goa, the Saint Francis Xavier Feast will keep the citizens busy in its largely organized food fair and processions. Hundreds of tourists visit the Bom Jesus Basilica for its morning mass. A cultural event including beach sports, fireworks, races and fun is lined up for the people of Kochi. The Cochin Carnival will be celebrated in the last week of December at the Kochi Fort. Karthigai Deepam also termed as “Festival of Lights” will be observed in southern part of India. The only hill station of Rajasthan is also set to celebrate their favorite Mount Abu Winter Festival this month. It is known to capture the Rajasthani tribal culture and life with fireworks, races and processions.

And hold on, the splendour and grandeur just doesn’t end here. The much awaited celebrations and parties at the New Year Eve welcomes the upcoming New Year and bids farewell to the one that gave us a lot to Cheer for!